On the 26th of October 2023, South Korea Navy ship, ROKS “’Kwanggaeto the Great’” (ROKN 40th ETG : Escort Task Group) made their arrival at the Colombo Port. The port call was followed by a reception and was graced by H.E. Miyon Lee, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, Hon. Nimal Siripala De Silva, the Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation, Hon. Tharaka Balasuriya, State Minister of Foreign Affairs, General Shavendra Silva, Chief of Defence Staff, Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, dignitaries of foreign missions and other invitees of the Sri Lankan government.
The port Call of ROKS Kwanggaeto the Great marked an important landmark as it was the first visit of a Korean Ship to Colombo Port in six years.
The Commodore of 40th ETG / Commanding officer of ROKS Kwanggaeto the Great, CAPT Kim Hyoung Churl; mentioned that this port visit was a great chance to hold a close exchange activity with Sri Lanka, a cooperative nation of South Asian Indo-Pacific strategy. He also praised the fact that it was a memorable time for the ROK citizens to relate to the international status of the Korean Navy.
Meanwhile, welcoming “’Kwanggaeto the Great’” to Sri Lanka, Ambassador Miyon Lee introduced the CheongHae Unit to the Sri Lankan guests on the mission the ROK Navy ship was assigned with and its contribution in upholding international efforts of securing maritime safety and counter terrorism in the waters around Gulf of Aden and Gulf of Oman.
The Ambassador emphasised on the importance of Colombo Port as a strategic location in the region being the “Gateway to South Asia”, a maritime hub that has brought together many nations in their venture for new trade routes and investments.
Also focusing on the outcome of this port call, the Ambassador highlighted Korea’s Indo-Pacific Strategy that aims to engage and cooperate in the region not only for trade and investments but also for defense cooperation with the South Asian partners.
Minister of Ports, Shipping & Aviation Hon. Nimal Siripala de Silva wished that this port call will only be just the beginning and that Korea would make more regular visits to Sri Lank as means of going forward with mutually cooperating with Sri Lanka promoting the bilateral relations between the two countries.
